Penny Wong announces Australian Gov $500K contribution to Myanmar Earthquake Appeal

Emergency Action Alliance welcomes the significant contribution as call for donations to assist continues

Emergency Action Alliance welcomes news the Australian Federal Government will contribute $500,000 to the Alliance’s Myanmar Earthquake appeal.

The funding was announced this morning by Foreign Minister, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, along with $3.5 million to Australian NGOs and their local partners, $3 million for emergency relief supplies and to support the efforts of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management.


A rapid response team has also been mobilised through Australia Assists, to help coordinate disaster relief efforts on the ground.

Executive Director of the Emergency Action Alliance (EAA), Kerren Morris says the government funding will make a real difference to Myanmar.

“The government funding as well as the funds raised by the EAA’s appeal for Myanmar are urgently needed. So far, we know that at least 2,700 people have died with more than 4,500 injured and hundreds still missing,” Ms Morris said.

“This figure is expected to rise. Photos coming out of Mandalay show the city is almost destroyed, leaving people without even basic shelter.

‘This government support will help EAA’s member organisations deliver life-saving emergency aid, such as food, shelter and other assistance. We urge Australians to also get behind EAA’s Myanmar appeal and give whatever they can to help.”

The interim CEO of EAA charity partner, Caritas, Kirsten Sayers says the Australian government funding will relieve the strain on already thin resources.

“The need is stark as a third of the population – some 20 million people – needed humanitarian assistance before the earthquake and simply cannot survive being cut off from necessities such as food, shelter, and water. We also commend and echo the calls of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, for an end to military operations allowing for full humanitarian access.”

EAA unites 15 leading Australian charities that come together to help respond to humanitarian emergencies. Almost all of EAA’s 15 members are responding. They include, ActionAid Australia, Act For Peace, ADRA, Anglican Overseas Aid, Australia for UNHCR, Australian Lutheran World Service, Baptist World Aid Australia, CARE Australia, Caritas Australia, ChildFund Australia, Oxfam Australia, Plan International Australia, Save the Children Australia, and Tearfund Australia.

Australians are being encouraged to make donations where they can. To donate, go to www.emergencyaction.org.au or call 1300-939-000.